No doubt, the yearly event is here again and globally, the Christian faithful are geared up for a swell time celebrating Christmas. Travels, partying, exchange of gifts and more are the features of the event.
This year’s event may not be significantly different from previous ones but for the lean times that pervade most parts of the world- Nigeria not isolated, calls for circumspection. We cannot shy away from the fact that we are facing enormous challenges that could fracture wild celebrations that often characterize Christmas.
As usual, many goodwill messages have started pouring in and we do not expect anything different from the highest level of governance in the country as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would lead the pack of dignitaries to felicitate not only Nigerian Christians but across the globe.
The general tendency in times past is for many adherents of the faith to allow their fancies and interests to dominate the period is not unexpected as has been customary over time but the reality of the moment calls for sobriety and a reflection on the unflattering socio-economic conditions in the country.
While there is nothing wrong to celebrate Christmas, there is urgency for a new direction where wasteful and debasing attributes do not take over during the period. Christmas is a yearly event and there is no need to be consumed by frivolities and unnecessary adventures that would take over one’s ‘life-savings’.
There is indeed no doubt that Christmas has come to become one large industry for people who may brisk business during the period and we encourage any form of legitimate means of money-making but not at the expense of one breaking the bank to achieve what is indeed a transient moment.
However, corporate Nigeria and good spirited individuals who are known to have deep pockets should reach out to the needy that at this time often look out for a morsel of bread. This attribute is indeed in line with the philosophy of love that Christianity amplifies. We should not be living large amid intense poverty and scarcity pervading our polity. It is therefore not out of place to spare a thought for the less-privileged at this time. That would be in tune with the spirit of Christmas and also in line with the teachings of Jesus Christ whose birth is being celebrated.
It is necessary to hammer on the essence of peace now and beyond as we call on security agencies to be on their toes to check criminality which often be cloud celebrations such as this. Without peace, it would be near impossible to achieve personal aspirations, much more national goals. It is a pivot on which revolves a lot of national interests.
We are concerned that the relative peace across the country could be jeopardized should we allow wild Christmas celebrations puncture it by giving in to subtle but dangerous machinations of forces of evil who could cash in on the celebrations to foster insecurity across the country.
Security agencies must walk the talk by ensuring they patrol dark spots and enhance better surveillance that would guarantee a hitch-free yuletide.
Without equivocation, there is the need for us to sustain the relative security congeniality across the country by re-invigorating our security architecture to remain ahead of the enemies. The relative peace we have signals the fact that we can achieve a better Nigeria.
AljahzirahNIGERIA wishes all Nigerians an impeccable yuletide as we expect that we all stay safe into the New Year and beyond.
